State Representative Diana Maldonado (HD-52) received two legislative awards from Texas retired teachers during a Friday luncheon hosted by the Williamson County Retired Teachers Association. The two awards were presented to Maldonado in recognition of her dedication and service to retired teachers during the 81st Legislative Session.

“I know first-hand the importance of sufficiently paying our teachers while they are in the classroom and once they have retired,” said Rep. Maldonado. “Teachers are the front lines of providing our students with a quality education and learning experience, and it is truly an honor to receive this recognition from the Williamson County and the District XIII Retired Teachers Associations. It is imperative that Texas show the same commitment and dedication to our retired teachers as they showed in the classroom every day.”

During the 81st Legislative Session, Maldonado strongly supported the inclusion of almost $217 million in the House appropriations bill to be used as a supplemental payment to TRS retirees. In addition, two bills were introduced in the Texas House that would have addressed the cost of living increase and a benefits increase for retired teachers. However, neither of these made it out of committee for consideration before the full House.

“Rep. Maldonado’s voting record on matters relating to education and Texas retired educators clearly indicated that she would work hard on behalf of retired teachers,” said WCRTA President Naomi Pasemann. “Also, Rep. Maldonado went above and beyond on the day that TRTA members visited with legislators in Austin. She took time from her busy schedule to meet with our group of 40 WCRTA members. Most of all we appreciate her dedication, hard work and especially her accessibility.”

The Williamson County Retired Teachers Association is a unit of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). TRTA works full time for the benefits and interests of retired school employees.

Maldonado sits on the House Committee on State Affairs and the Committee on Defense and Veterans’ Affairs. She is serving her first term in the Texas House of Representatives and represents House District 52 which encompasses a portion of Williamson County, including Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto, Thrall, Coupland and part of Georgetown and Austin.